Japanese Black Garlic Oil
Ramen (Mayu)
Elevate your homemade tonkotsu ramen with this aromatic black garlic oil, crafted by slowly frying garlic into three distinct color stages for deep umami.
Known as mayu in Japan, black garlic oil is a signature condiment made famous by Kumamoto-style tonkotsu ramen. Unlike fermented black garlic, this traditional finishing oil is created by cooking fresh garlic across multiple stages of browning and charring to unlock a complex, smoky, and bittersweet aroma that cuts through rich pork broths.
Ingredients
- 100 g garlic cloves
- 200 g lard
- optional toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- 1Slice the garlic
Place the peeled garlic cloves on a cutting board and slice them into thin pieces using a knife.
Tip: Ensure uniform thickness for even frying. - 2Melt the Lard
Heat the pan on the stove and add about 200 grams of lard, allowing it to melt completely into oil over the heat.
Tip: Ensure the pan is heated properly before adding the lard so it melts smoothly. - 3Add Garlic Slices
Once the lard has completely melted, carefully add the sliced garlic pieces into the hot oil and stir them.
Tip: Add the garlic gently to avoid splashing the hot oil. - 4Remove First Batch of Garlic
Continue frying the garlic until it turns golden brown, then remove one-third of the garlic chips using a strainer.
Tip: Watch the color closely so you can catch the first batch right at golden brown. - 5Remove Second Batch of Garlic
Keep frying the remaining garlic until it turns brown, then remove another one-third of the garlic pieces.
Tip: Stir continuously to ensure the garlic browns evenly without burning too quickly. - 6Fry Until Black
Continue frying the final portion of garlic until it turns black and smoky, then remove the last third from the oil.
Tip: Be careful during this stage as the garlic can burn easily and create smoke. - 7Add garlic chips to mortar
Transfer the fried garlic chips of three different shades into a ceramic mortar bowl.
Tip: Make sure the mortar is clean and completely dry before adding the chips. - 8Pour garlic oil into mortar
Pour some of the oil used to fry the garlic directly into the mortar containing the fried garlic chips.
Tip: Add the oil gradually to control the texture and consistency.
